Eli Whiteside DFA'ed by Yankees

The New York Yankees have designated catcher Eli Whiteside for assignment, opening up a 40-man roster spot for the re-signed Andy Pettitte.

The Yankees had claimed Whiteside, 33, off waivers from San Francisco on Nov. 5, and on Monday, the team avoided arbitration with him by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $625,000 in the Major Leagues and $200,000 in the Minors.

Whiteside has spent the bulk of his Major League time with the Giants, hitting .214 in 199 games from 2009-12. Last year, he hit .224 with one home run and 20 RBI in 60 games at Triple-A Fresno, then was 1-for-11 in 12 Major League games.